This blog--one of over 180 million--is uniquely devoted to Uncommon Christian Ministries (www.UncommonChristian.com), the preaching and writing ministry of Dr. Francis Kyle. And to all things James Brainerd Taylor (1801-1829), the recently rediscovered Princeton University and Yale Seminary-trained evangelist, cousin of famed Protestant minister David Brainerd (1718-1747) and third generation admirer of pastor-theologian and Brainerd biographer Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758).

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

From the creative minds at Igniter Media, below is "A Social Network Christmas," a 4-minute mini-movie of the Christmas story as told by Facebook status updates and wall posts.

Per the YouTube.com description,

This video is an artistic take on how the story of the nativity might have read had a social network existed at the time of Jesus's birth. Follow this historical period as it unfolds as a digital narrative. This vignette is great for highlighting the truths and circumstances of our Savior's birth in a fresh, unique way.

For other creative works by Igniter Media, visit their online Seasonal Store, "the one-stop-shop for your church media and video ministry, featuring mini-movies, motions, stills, software and editable stock footage." Or consider a paid membership.

We believe that baptism is an ordinance of the Lord by which those who have repented and come to faith express their union with Christ in His death and resurrection, by being immersed in water in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is a sign of belonging to the new people of God, the true Israel, and an emblem of burial and cleansing, signifying death to the old life of unbelief, and purification from the pollution of sin.

Thus, and among other spiritual truths as just mentioned, the baptism 20 years ago today symbolized my being "dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus," and no longer being an "instrument for unrighteousness" but an "instrument for righteousness," per Romans 6:1-14 in the New Testament:

[1] What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? [2] By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? [3] Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

[5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. [7] For one who has died has been set free from sin. [8] Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [9] We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. [10] For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. [11] So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

[12] Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. [13] Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. [14] For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

At the time, I was a seasonal waiter nearing completion of the first of what would be 9 seasons (1992-97, 1999-2001). Only those bosses, co-workers and returning guests who knew me that first season of employment could truly contrast the "before and after" Francis.

With his widowed wife Edythe (1915-2003) and adopted son Stephen (1953-1997) both deceased, and with no grandchildren, the lone public tribute to Peter was obscure and somber.

Yet to those present, it was a boost of encouragement to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ to the very end, knowing that the all-seeing God rewards faithful servants. "God will give to each person according to what he has done" (Romans 2:6). "Because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free" (Ephesians 6:8).

October 4, 1912 - Peter born in Dexter, N.M., to South Holland, Cook County, IL, natives--and 640-acre N.M. homesteaders--William (1887-1968) and Gerrigje/Carrie (1887-1979) Brashler. Siblings eventually include brothers Clarence and Bill, and sisters Pauline and Jean.

November 29, 1915 - Edythe born in Park Rapids, Hubbard County, MN. Raised in Seattle and Everett, WA.

1916 - Brashler family (Peter age 4) moves to and operates a dairy farm in Arlington, WA. Joins maternal relatives who migrated to WA from IL.

1930's - During the Great Depression, Brashler family sells farm and moves to Everett, WA. Peter drops out of high school to help with family finances. Works his way up to manager of a grocery store. Meets his future wife Edythe at First Baptist Church of Everett where Edythe's Irish-American father (Dr. H. R. McKee) is pastor. Quits smoking.

1934(?) - Peter joins future wife Edythe as a student at Biola University in CA.

1937(?) - Peter and future wife Edythe sense a call to missionary service in Africa upon hearing Ralph Davis, the home director of the Africa Inland Mission, speak at Biola University's missionary conference.

1973 - In Bunia (city in northeast Zaire/DRC), Peter receives the prestigious National Order of the Leopard medal from Zaire's President/King Mobutu and General Victor Lundula. An honor accorded few white men, the medal is Zaire's highest military and civilian award (created May 24, 1966).

--> "This volume will delight your heart, inform your mind, and challenge your will to become involved with God in world evangelization." From the Foreword by Peter Stam, Africa Inland Mission.

Spring 1981 - Peter serves as Zaire's Pastor Yoane Akudri (1898-1997) western U.S. interpreter during Akudri's 3rd and last speaking tour in the U.S. (Other tours were in 1970 and 1975, the 65th and 70th anniversaries of the Africa Inland Mission.) A friend and former student of Peter's, the 82-year-old Akudri ends his final U.S. tour by preaching on Mother's Day at First Baptist Church of Marysville, WA.

Biography of a beloved African pastor. 1990.

1990 - After a trip to Zaire for research purposes (first and only trip to his former mission field), Peter writes the biography Akudri: The True Story of Yoane Akudri (1898-1997). (Marysville, WA: Cascade Publishing, 239 pages.)

--> "Yoane Akudri's life is not unlike that of David Livingstone [1813-1873], or of Hudson Taylor [1832-1905]. There are humorous situations that will keep the reader awake, and also challenging situations that will attract younger and older people to commit their lives to Christ." From book's back cover.

--> "Most so-called 'missionary' books see life in a developing country through the eyes of the foreigner. It is refreshing to read a biography, which includes much missionary endeavor, seen through the eyes of an African--an African of giant spiritual stature, yet so humble that he is glad to acknowledge his personal, and his national church's, debt to the foreign missionary, despite all the mistakes we have made."From the Foreword by Dr. Helen Roseveare, WEC International.

March 1, 2003 - Edythe dies (age 87) in Everett, WA. Buried alongside Peter in Marysville Cemetery (Section B, North) in Marysville, WA. "Edythe continued her witness for Christ to her very last day." (Edythe's obituary and picture of Peter/Edythe's gravestone found here.)

Congo church service. 1960.

"Rev. Peter Brashler and family return home after spending 19 years in
Belgian Congo." Marysville Globe (Marysville, WA). Thursday. June 11, 1959.

I feel myself, as heretofore, unworthy of the regard of my Christian friends; and at times I am astonished that any should love such a one as I am. Surely if they could see me as I sometimes see myself, they would wonder too. Alas! in all things I come short, and in many I offend.

Yet I bless the Lord for what he has done for me, and I rely on his grace to make me more like himself. My soul daily pants for more holiness, more devotedness to the cause of my Redeemer; and through him I do hope to be made useful.

When it comes to Christian friends and being a friend of God (James 2:23), may such J. B. Taylor-like humility and self-amazement characterize all present-day uncommon Christians.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.1 Peter 5:5b-7

Appropriately, here is the song "Friends" (1983) by the contemporary Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith:

Friday, August 31, 2012

From Proverbs 30:7-9--the only prayer recorded in the Book of Proverbs--a closer look at a very appropriate prayer in light of today's economic "new normal." May it add a boost to your prayer life as you commune with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The message was preached to the striving "uncommon" Christians at Grace Church in my native West Hartford, Connecticut. See "Sermons - By Speaker" (Dr. Francis Kyle), August 26, 2012. A gem of a church in the midst of spiritually hardened New England.

On Tuesday I called at ten houses. At most of them I presented one or more [Gospel] Tracts such as I thought likely to be useful. This was the fourth of July.

In the evening I had many reflections on the manner which I had spent the day, so totally different from that in which I had heretofore spent that anniversary. O how much greater cause of triumph to be instrumental in delivering one soul from the power of sin and Satan than to be the conqueror of nations! The contrast will be fully seen only above.

Recent research has shown that the 6 New England states--Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont--have now surpassed the Pacific Northwest as America's least churched region.

The New England region was once home to such godly American Puritans like Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) and to such evangelists like James Brainerd Taylor (1801-1829). It experienced the First and Second Great Awakenings and saw the establishment of America's earliest seminaries.

The region is in dire need today of spiritual revival, a fresh and mighty outpouring of Holy Spirit fire.

Historically, revival often happens in the context of the local church. Because this is so--and for the local New Englander or visitor--here are listings of some Gospel-centered churches in New England:

+ Members of Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals (F.I.R.E.).

Also, here are some informative and insightful articles from two pastors presently ministering in Vermont. Both men--Wes Pastor and Jared Wilson--relocated to New England and thus write from an outsider-turned-insider's perspective. May the articles be used of God to stir your heart to pray for New England, especially for the spiritually lost and for more Gospel laborers.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

For an article on James Brainerd Taylor (1801-1829) that was posted on the blog for the American Society of Church History (May 27, 2012), see here.

As stated in the article, "My specific attraction to Taylor is his challenge to be an 'uncommon' Christian. Taylor defined an 'uncommon' Christian as an 'eminently holy, self-denying, cross-bearing, Bible, everyday' Christian."

"the scholarly study of the history of Christianity and its relationship to surrounding cultures in all periods, locations and contexts.

Through publications conferences, awards, research support, and other means, the Society encourages the study of the Christian church and faith, its figures and movements, in institutional and non-institutional settings.

We welcome scholars and practitioners of all backgrounds who employ traditional or newly developing methods, disciplines, and approaches to the study of religion.

The ASCH cooperates closely with the American Historical Association [est. 1884] and other scholarly societies and organizations in joint annual meetings."

Throughout the course of his public ministry, Jesus knew both the adoration and desertion of the crowds. Today, just as 2,000 years ago, the Gospel asks a question that demands an answer: Will we follow? This video illustrates this truth through the dynamic lens of a 21st-century social network.

Watch, learn and be blessed with becoming a follower of the One who is "the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6), the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the elective seminar/breakout session, I will be attending "Why the Reformation Isn't Over" by Carl Trueman, Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary.

Also included in this year's conference are 7 panel sessions ranging from "Inerrancy: Did God Really Say?" to "Complementarianism: Essential or Expendable?" to "Celebrity Pastor: Indecent Exposure?" to "Gay Marriage: Now What?" to "Preaching: Is There a Plan B?"

Power. Power to change. Power to start anew. Everyone is looking for power. Political campaigns point to the power of people. Advertising agencies exploit the power of appetite.

But Churches have something different and better. Something seemingly implausible. Something that comes in a demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Churches have the Gospel.

Though we live in the world, we must not wage war as the world does, or fight with its weapons. On the contrary, we have divine power in the gospel to demolish strongholds. To redeem sinners. To create life. To transform and remake the universe. Talk about power.

Witness the underestimated Gospel.

Please join me in praying for the Lord's blessing upon this major biennial gathering.

Along with T4G organizers and the 9,000 attendees this year, I too am "convinced that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been misrepresented, misunderstood, and marginalized in many Churches and among those who proclaim the name of Christ."

And I agree with the goal of T4G: "Therefore, the goal of these friendships, conferences, and networks is to reaffirm this central doctrine of the Christian faith and to encourage local Churches to do the same."

May the American and global church get back to preaching and living the true, biblical gospel, with the gospel being defined by T4G as

the joyous declaration that God is redeeming the world through Christ, and that He calls everyone everywhere to repent from sin and trust Jesus Christ for salvation.

Each of us has sinned against God, breaking his law and rebelling against his rule, and the penalty for our sin is death and hell. But because He loves us, God sent his Son Jesus to live for his people’s sake the perfect, obedient life God requires and to die in their place for their sin. On the third day, He rose bodily from the grave and now reigns in heaven, offering forgiveness, righteousness, resurrection, and eternal blessedness in God’s presence to everyone who repents of sin and trusts solely in Him for salvation.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Here is a listening- and watching-worthy sermon jam, followed by the entirety of the same sermon.

The sermon is based on Luke 15 and its Parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin and Prodigal Son.

The opening two verses of Luke 15 give the reason why the Lord Jesus presented these particular parables:

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, 'This man receives sinners and eats with them.' So he told them [these parables].

Be blessed as this choice servant of God, uncommon Christian and former Bible college classmate of mine proclaims the truth as it is found in the compassionate, love-filled and non-discriminatory Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:21).

Those who have sat under Ryan's preaching know that he can expound Scripture to the satisfaction of scholars while at the same time driving the word authoritatively into the heart of those who hear. His messages rarely fail to transform the listener, and they never fail to arouse some kind of response.

This message is no different and accomplishes a great many things.

Mainly, Ryan urges us to consistently and diligently preach the gospel to the "prostitutes, tax collectors, and sinners" of our communities—and not in a distant and impersonal way, but in ways which bring us into close contact with their lives, even by inviting them into our houses.

Along the way, this sermon makes many other points.

It shows the graciousness of Christ, who practiced this kind of evangelism. It also confronts common misconceptions of holiness. It even corrects a misapplication of the biblical doctrine of sin, reminding us that even worthless sinners still have great worth before God.

As Christians, whenever we hear a preacher challenge us, we need to "search the Scriptures to see if these things be so" (Acts 17:11). It is our belief that God intends this message to work repentance into the hearts of many professing Christians lacking Christ-like love for sinners.

May you listen well, having asked God to open your heart to the word preached.

Among others available online via YouTube.com, IllBeHonest.com and other websites, here are some more messages by Pastor Ryan. Some are videos and some are audio only.

Be blessed as you are instructed and exhorted by this preacher of the Gospel.

+ "The Convicting Power of Grace," 4th annual Fellowship Conference, Denton, Texas, March 29, 2013 . . . "It is grace that spurs on radical obedience to reach lost areas around the world. It is not simply exhortations to be radical that result in people being radical. It is tender forms of kindness and grace that form the most radical discipleship in the world"

Information on Ryan's biography and the church where he ministers are both online.

10th Anniversary Surprise Service of Ryan's Pastorate

Immanuel Baptist Church Louisville, Kentucky

February 2012

For a 10-minute personal reflection video about Ryan that was given during the commemorative service from one of his mentor-friends (and former Bible college classmate of Ryan and me), Pastor Clint Humfrey of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, click here.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

For better or for worse, a pattern of independence is evident in my life.

I am not proud nor embarrassed by this fact, a fact that is common knowledge to those who know me well. It is simply my life's reality.

Maybe this is true of you or someone you know. If so, how are we to understand the person with an independent spirit? Is his or her independence sinful or not sinful towards God and others? Or does the good/bad categories not matter?

Below are some thoughts that include an autobiographical sketch.

Independence, USA

I became a Christian in 1992 through the ministry of Independent Bible Church in Port Angeles, Washington. IBC was, and remains, a member of the Independent Fundamental Churches of America (I.F.C.A.).

One of the things that attracted me to IBC was the "Independence" in its church name. As a not-yet Christian who had never attended a Bible-believing church before, I was wanting a church that was simply an independent (non-denominational) church that preached the Bible and pointed me to the Lord Jesus Christ. In leaving the Roman Catholic Church of my Connecticut upbringing when 18-years-old, I did not know what a Protestant was nor its denominational branches such as Baptist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.

Shortly after conversion to Christ, I served as an intern at Quilcene Bible Church, 1993-94. Located in the rural logging and oyster town of Quilcene, Washington, QBC continues to be a member of the Northwest Independent Church Extension. N.I.C.E. is a church planting ministry of I.F.C.A. in the Pacific Northwest.

In 2008, University Press of America served as the publisher of my works on the American evangelist James Brainerd Taylor (1801-1829). U.P.A. is a member of the Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, one of the largest and fastest-growing independent publishers and distributors in North America. R.L.P.G.'s motto is "Independent Publishing for Independent Minds."

With James Brainerd Taylor and 19th-century America being my primary historic interest and academic specialty, I am a considered an "independent scholar" by the American Society of Church History and other academic societies I am a member of. This designation is because I am not a member of a college or seminary faculty, serving the needs of academia.

As an American, our country's founding fathers wrote and adopted the Declaration of Independence. The historic document that severed us from Great Britain in 1776 was signed by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia's Independence Hall. Every July 4th Americans celebrate Independence Day.

Surrounded by Africans, Asians, Europeans, Middle Easterners and those from Oceania (especially Australia and New Zealand) during my 26 months in the melting pot that is Israel (May '09-June '11), I realized just how much we Americans--or at least this American--value our individual and political independence and freedom.

In November 2011, I became an individual member of the Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals (F.I.R.E.). I was a member of a F.I.R.E. church in Jerusalem for 2 years, and now am in the process of becoming a member of a newly begun (summer '09) F.I.R.E. church in Port Angeles, Washington.

Lastly, I have been an avid motorcyclist since 1990 and a member of the U.S.'s largest motorcyclist organization, American Motorcyclist Association, since 2007. Motorcyclists are known, of course, for their rugged and individualistic independence.

Circumstances, Disposition, Choices

As I review my own life and observe that of others, it seems that three factors are involved in a person's independent spirit.

Life's circumstances. From an early age, and like some others in their family environments, I have had to learn to do things myself. The answer was often "me" to the question, "If no one else is going to do it or teach me, then who will?" concerning a variety of life's skills, be it how to shave one's face to how to make money to pay for a pack of baseball cards when a kid.

Also, and as one born and raised in America, it seems Americans are born with an individualistic, independent attitude. This seemed especially true in the generally socially-cold New England of my upbringing (1976-91) where a family hardly knew or spoke to their neighbors.

Disposition. I have in mind a person's natural/innate temperament that has a bent towards independence. This in-and-of itself is not sinful.

However, this can also refer to a sinful disposition or inclination to not submit to God's authority, thereby rejecting the truth that it is God who "gives everyone life and breath and everything else" (Acts 17:25). A rejection of God's authority often leads to a rejection of man's authority; for instance, one's parents, boss at work or a school teacher. Independent people often do not like to cooperate with others or submit to authority.

Choices. Though circumstances and disposition play a part, an independent person still must be held accountable and responsible for the choices he or she has made. On certain occasions, and either to my or others' benefit or harm, I know I have intentionally chosen the way of independence over the way of dependence and reliance upon others.

Is Independence Sinful or Not Sinful towards God and others?
Yes and no. It depends.

No, if understood that one can a have a God-given personality that has an innate bent towards independence. For instance, many in leadership positions are often independent in nature. Moreover, being independent and self-sufficient on one's own land is commendable and not morally wrong. Senior citizens wanting to continue their independent lifestyles--and thereby not be a burden to family, friends or the government--can be commendable. Fill in your own example of non-sinful or spiritually-neutral independence.

Yes, if a person's independent ways leads to a rejection of a dependency upon God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for physical and spiritual life. Yes, if by one's independence a person is being selfish and sins against others. And yes, if not submitting to God-ordained authority, be it at work, in the church or from one's government.

"To me she came for help [during a near fatal storm at sea in Connecticut]; but not to myself--to Christ I directed her. Alas! the infatuation of mortals, to put off preparation for eternity till the hour of danger."~ James Brainerd Taylor

"In contemplating my latter end, the question arose what inscription would you have on your tombstone? And in thought I answered: ‘Here lies ––––. A sinner, born again; a sinner, washed, and justified, and sanctified. A sinner, once an heir of hell, a child of the devil, by wicked works; but by grace, a child of God and an heir of heaven; a miracle of grace, deserving all the miseries of the second death; and yet an expectant of endless glory and felicity. Farewell earth; welcome heaven. I am nothing; Jesus is all.’”~ James Brainerd Taylor(journal entry--July 19, 1823--Lawrenceville, N.J.)